Although the funeral was very sad, as no one’s life should be taken at 22 years of age, it was, appropriately however, a celebration of John Crawford's life. He was loved by those who knew him and will be deeply missed by his family and friends, said Michael L Wright of Wright & Schulte LLC

According to police reports, Crawford, of Fairfield, died the night of Tuesday, Aug. 5 in the Beavecreek Walmart after he was shot twice by Beavercreek police officers. The report states that a witness called 911 after the witness claimed Crawford was seen waving a rifle around the store around children. Beavercreek Police Chief Dennis Evers stated that Crawford was shot when he failed to comply with police commands to drop the weapon. Medical reports from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office show Crawford died from a gunshot wound to the torso and the cause of death was listed as “homicide.” The Coroner’s office reports that the full autopsy will take several weeks to complete. According to the Attorney General’s office, the gun Crawford was holding at the time of the shooting was a MK-177 (.177 caliber) BB/Pellet Rifle, manufactured by Crosman. This gun is called a “variable pump air rifle.” [ whio.com/news/news/crime-law/family-friends-attend-walmart-shooting-funeral/ng4Db/, August, 2014]

Attorney Micheal L. Wright of Wright & Schulte LLC who is currently representing the family during this tragedy and at this time is trying to get answers for Crawford’s family stated to WOHIOTV “The family wants answers, We just want to get answers. We are seeking video, witness statements and investigatory items. My job is to get answers to his family.”
[whio.com/news/news/report-shooting-beavercreek-wal-mart/ngwTS/, WOHIOTV, August 8, 2014]

The family currently questioning the police report and believes the gun Crawford was holding was a toy. LeeCee Johnson, the mother of Crawford’s children, told WHIO she was on the phone with Crawford during the incident. According to Johnson, Crawford told police, “it’s not real.” She reports hearing the police shout at Crawford to get down and then start firing. According to Tasha Thomas, the woman who drove Crawford to the Walmart just before the shooting, he was not armed when he entered the store.

According to WHIO News, Walmart does not plan to change how they display or sell realistic-looking BB Pellet Air Rifles and other air guns at this time. Walmart officials told media representatives they are complying with the investigation by local and national law enforcement by releasing the video footage of the event to law enforcement. Walmart spokesperson Brian Nick indicated that the policy could be changed in the future, depending on the results of the investigation. “There are no plans to change anything on how we sell products at this time, but we will constantly evaluate that,” Nick said. “The sale of these products is under different rules in states in different parts of the country, and we follow the rules as it pertains to sale of products and comply with state and federal regulation of these products.”[whio.com/news/news/report-shooting-beavercreek-wal-mart/ngwTS/, August, 2014]

In addition to investigations by law firm of Wright & Schulte and the Beavercreek police department, Beavercreek police have also requested that the Ohio Attorney General’s Office investigate the case. According to Attorney General Mike DeWine, it is not unusual for the Attorney General to be an investigator in a case like this. The investigation could take months before it is completed after all parties involved examine video and audio recordings, eyewitness accounts, and toxicology results.

In a statement to WHIO News discussing any legal actions being taken in the Beaver Creek police shooting, Mr. Wright said, “The family wants answers. We just want to get answers. We are seeking video, witness statements and investigatory items. My job is to get answers to his family.”

About Wright & Schulte LLC
Wright & Schulte LLC, an experienced personal injury firm, is dedicated to the belief that America’s legal system should work for the people. Every day, the attorneys of Wright & Schulte LLC stand up for the rights of people who have been injured or wronged and fight tirelessly to ensure that even the world’s most powerful corporations take responsibility for their actions. If you’re looking for a law firm that will guarantee the aggressive and personal representation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact Wright & Schulte LLC today. Free legal evaluations are available through http://www.yourohiolegalhelp.com or by calling 1-800-399-0795.